APF Canada Commentary Suggests AICHR is an Opportunity for Canada to Re-Engage with ASEAN

The nascent ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), the first regional intergovernmental human rights body in Asia, holds the promise of institutionalizing internationally accepted human rights norms in a region in which several governments have disturbing human rights records. For the Commission to evolve into a body to both protect and promote human rights in Southeast Asia, it will require significant international support. Leah Sarson, the author the APF’s latest Canada-Asia Commentary, suggests that the creation of the AICHR provides Ottawa with a unique opportunity to revitalize its relationship with Southeast Asia. By providing assistance to the Commission in areas such as capacity building and guidelines to implement recommendations, Canada could both aid in the development of this critical addition to the human rights regime, as well as realize real strategic advantages. Click here for the full commentary.